Last week I mentioned that there are several people who, rather than complaining about Charlottes art scene, are taking action to energize and expand it.
Read about one of those people, Amy Kennemore, who founded a womens artist collective, Hecho en Charlotte (Made in Charlotte) last fall. These women make art that reflects their Latin-American culture. After paying for the materials, they keep 100 percent of the profits. Amy, whos an artist herself, teaches the women how to craft some of the items, which have been sold primarily at events and festivals.
Hecho en Charlotte (Made in Charlotte)
Interview with: Amy Kennemore
Date founded: Fall 2009
Number of members: Six emerging Latin-American artists
Whats your vision for the group?
I want people to embrace the culture and traditions of Latin-Americans who live in Charlotte, rather than thinking of our immigrant population in a negative or derogatory way. I also want to help artists generate sources of revenue.
What gave you the inspiration for this group?
The idea for Hecho en Charlotte started the summer of 2005 when I traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico to study Spanish. The woman I lived with for a month ran a store that sold handicrafts made by local artists. I was inspired by the amount of skill and beauty that went into such a diverse variety of crafts.
Since that trip, I have been looking for a way to incorporate my love for folk art and my passion for Latin American politics, history and culture. Last semester, for example, I started graduate school for Latin American Studies at UNCC, where I hope to investigate the fair trade market and themes of environmental and social justice for my masters thesis. Ive also volunteered at the Latin American Coalition for a while.
How did you get it started?
I volunteered for the Latin American Coalitions Resource Center for over a year and then began working in their Economic Development Program. It was through the Economic Development Program that I was able to establish and secure micro-loans to launch Hecho en Charlotte.
When and how do you meet or communicate?
The group meets at the Latin American Coalition. The process is very fluid; if a member of the group has an idea or wants to make a specific craft, we will investigate materials and methods as a whole to come up with the best idea.
Where is the group now and where else do you want to take it in terms of your vision?
So far, we have made sugar skulls, tissue paper flowers, garlands, hair clips and purses (made from recycled potato chip bags). Future projects will include fresh-cut flowers, a cookbook of traditional Latin-American cuisine and soap make from leftover glycerin (a byproduct of converting used recycled oil into biodiesel provided by a local co-op). We hope to expand our capacity to reach a broader market by including more people who would like to share their skills or crafts.